The pros and cons of SaaS

The advent and rise in popularity of SaaS platforms has revolutionised ways of working across industries, including the field of research software. On-demand software places the locus of control in the hands of the client, in an accessible and user-friendly manner.

However, one of the greatest frustrations with the SaaS model to date has been the lack of human support for technical platforms, with users feeling that they have no-one to ask for a helping hand.

Crowdtech’s offering includes support

At Crowdtech, we see things differently. Our research software goes beyond technology by incorporating Insight Communities, which provide comprehensive insights into consumer preferences and behaviors. This continuous engagement helps clients make informed decisions, ensuring they stay ahead of market trends and customer needs.

Assistance throughout the research cycle

We have coined this offering a Hybrid SaaS model: ‘SaaS’ because it is a technology-based platform that enables users to manage the full research cycle on their own. Our platform integrates multiple research tools into a single, cohesive system. This allows users to manage the full research cycle on their own, seamlessly combining quantitative and qualitative methods for comprehensive insights.

‘Hybrid’ because, unlike most SaaS models, it entails ongoing and accessible user-support, including:

• Operational support: This covers the full spectrum of operational functions, from helping our clients to understand and leverage the technology behind our platforms, to preparing the survey operations, and managing the data output. We also offer a Branding Upgrade feature, allowing clients to fully customize their research projects with their own branding, ensuring a consistent and engaging experience for respondents.
• Panel support: One of Crowdtech’s strengths is the fact that we offer robust panel management, facilitating long-term engagement with a consistent group of respondents. This ensures the collection of high-quality, reliable data over time, crucial for in-depth analysis and continuous improvement. Additionally, our Connect feature facilitates seamless API integration between our research tools and third-party software, streamlining workflows and automating data synchronization for a more efficient research process.
• Full-service support: At Crowdtech, we also provide temporary intensive research communities for quick, detailed studies. This enables clients to gather immediate feedback, ideal for agile market research and rapid product development. Moreover, our sister company, MWM2, can offer full-service research support, assisting clients through the entire research process from design to analysis phase.

Help is accessible and fast

At Crowdtech, we focus on delivering software that is developed by researchers for researchers. Our recent collaboration with UX agency Eagerly has resulted in significant improvements in user experience, including optimized layout and enhanced usability. These updates ensure that our platform is not just about standalone technology, but about providing an intuitive and efficient tool for all users.

Our new feature, WhatsApp Invitations through Profile Variables, allows clients to send survey invitations via WhatsApp, streamlining interactions with specific community groups and significantly increasing engagement and participation. This method boosts response rates by leveraging a familiar and popular communication channel, ensuring meaningful engagement with respondents.

Bechan sums up the importance of a supportive culture, “We like to help clients out where we can… We don’t just say ‘You paid for 10 minutes of our time and now you’re done’. Instead, we go the extra mile and that’s one of the things that people like about us; one of the things that sets us apart.”